The Strawberry Fields Alternative High School The Curriculum and Elective Studies
In
traditional schools, areas of knowledge and particular skills fall
into neat categories, in life they blend together into a rich and
complex texture. At Strawberry Fields, knowledge and skills
are explored as they occur naturally, within the context of life
itself as we use the community as the classroom and the concrete
need for knowledge and skills as motivation to learn.
Central to the curriculum is imbuing students with a desire to
learn, and to live life with a sense of fairness, compassion and
altruism. Our guidelines are cooperation, service to others,
and the growth and strengthening of character.
While traditional schools strive to mainstream students into regular
classes, we at Strawberry Fields endeavor to integrate our students
into the life of the community. For nearly three decades,
we have found that involvement of our students in the mainstream
of the community allows for their learning to take on greater meaning,
and in the process, their lives to take on greater importance.
ELECTIVE STUDIES
In addition to the regular course work that is offered at Strawberry
Fields (Math, History, English/Language Arts, Science, Geography),
eligible students have the opportunity to participate in one or
more of the following courses:
SEGWAY PROGRAM
Students, typically 12th grade and higher, will have the opportunity
to enroll in classes at Dean College and receive tutorial support
from school staff. They will receive assistance in vocational
preparation and support on the job. They may also take any
needed classes to complete requirements for graduation from their
referring school district. A primary focus of the Segway Program
is to assist students who have had some difficulty in traditional
schooling and need the support and guidance of an individualized
program in order to make a smooth transition to college and/or employment
in the community.
ANIMAL CARE
Aspects of domestic and farm animal care will be covered in
this course offered at Veganpeace Animal Sanctuary located on the
grounds of The Peace Abbey. Participants provide habitat maintenance
and general animal care.
ART I
Using a wide variety of materials, students will not only
learn different techniques but also learn how to use art as an expression
of themselves. Field trips to area art museums will be made
in order to inspire as well as develop an appreciation for art.
ART II
Students will participate in a collaborative program with
Danforth Museum School in Framingham. They may take an individual
class or enroll in the Basic Studies Certificate Program, which
includes six required and two elective classes.
COMMUNITY
SERVICE
This is an opportunity for students to assist the community
at various service sites. Specific learning objectives are
designed for each site. The course is geared to enhance
the student's self esteem and sense of community participation and
service to others and may include training in non-violent, civil
disobedience.
CONTEMPORARY STUDIES
Students will be exposed to timely issues via the media including
newspapers, NPR & BBC programming, television news/commentary
programs and the internet. Students will evaluate the message
and its impact on the world and themselves.
DANCE
This class is an introduction to various dance styles and
techniques incorporating warm-up exercises to build strength, flexibility
and coordination. Areas of dance may include ballet, modern,
jazz, tap, folk, creative movement and improvisation.
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
Students will explore basic ecological principles including
the interrelationship of living organisms with their living and
nonliving environment. This will be a hands-on, field study
course.
FITNESS
This is a body conditioning class designed to develop fitness,
flexibility, cardiovascular fitness and muscle tone. Individual
needs are assessed and a program is designed accordingly.
PEOPLE WHO HAVE CHANGED THE WORLD
This course investigates the lives of famous individuals in
history who have brought about significant social change.
Materials include biographies and films. Activities may include
field trips to places of historical significance.
INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY AND ETHICS
Students have an opportunity to examine the questions of right
and wrong, freedom and responsibility and systems of moral decision
making through readings, films and discussions.
INTERFAITH
STUDIES
This course will provide students with a basic understanding
of the twelve major faith traditions in the world (Hindu, Buddhist,
Jain, Muslim, Sikh, Baha'i, Shinto, Native African, Native American,
Zoroastrian, Jewish and Christian). The primary focus will
be on peace and social justice themes that lie at the heart of each
religion, and the holidays, traditions and rituals of each faith.
Visits to area temples, synagogues, mosques, churches, gurdwaras,
and meetinghouses will provide students with a personal experience
of the sacred sites of each tradition.
LUNCH BUDDY
Students are given the opportunity to become familiar with
various ethnic cuisines by dining at local restaurants with a staff
member or volunteer. They will become successful at interacting
within the community as well as learning how to order and pay (tip)
for their meals.
MORNING MEETING
Staff, students and invited guests participate in the school's
daily gathering, which is the foundation for the philosophy and
ethics of peacemaking. The morning meeting embodies values
that emphasize respect for all life, the connectedness intrinsic
equality and worth of all people, and the empowerment of each person.
MUSIC APPRECIATION
This course is a general review of different genres and styles
of music from all over the world. Students will experience
a broad range of music: Rock, Jazz, Opera, Classical, Rap,
Polynesian, Zydeco.
NUTRITION
Students will explore the basics of nutrition and the impact
different diets (meat eating, vegetarian, and vegan) have on the
planet. They will experience practical applications through
juicing, meal preparation, and involvement with programs dealing
with hunger such as food pantries and Project Bread.
PEACE STUDIES
Students will develop an understanding of pacifism as the
foundation for peacemaking and non-violence. They will learn
about people who have committed their lives to the work of peacemaking
through books, films, visiting guests at The Peace Abbey and the
quotes at the Pacifist Memorial.
PRACTICAL MATH
Students learn basic mathematical processes through their
daily encounters with practical, everyday problem solving.
Examples: pricing items, cost comparisons, measurement, money
management, banking and other related life skills.
PRINCIPLES OF BUSINESS
This is an experiential approach to understanding the basic
components of a community business. The course includes interviews
with and visits to local small businesses.
SCIENCE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM
Through partnerships with the Museum of Science, the EcoTarium and
other area museums, students will be exposed to a wide range of
science topics. After initial exposure, students will explore
these topics in depth. Students may also be introduced
to practicing scientists who discuss their fields and career possibilities.
SOCIAL JUSTICE AND HUMAN RIGHTS
This is a course to develop a global awareness of conditions
within the human family. Students will learn about people
in many countries, including the United States, who are struggling
with issues that restrict their basic human rights and dignity.
Students will have opportunities for field trips and hands-on projects
that will increase their knowledge base.
SPECIAL PROJECTS
Students may be involved throughout the year in any of the
on-going social change projects at The Peace Abbey: Stonewalk,
Big Dig Civil Disobedience, Conscience Awards, National Seal of
Philanthropy, Citycare, Sofa Day, Pledge of Non-violence and
The Pacifist Memorial.
VOCATIONAL EDUCATION Students
will be introduced to different vocations in the immediate community.
Through field trips and internships, students learn what goes on
behind the scenes of local businesses. Part-time job placement
is one goal for this course.
Tuition is established annually by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
and is funded by referring school systems. Local special education
liaisons must be involved to assure funding as an approved private
school.
The Strawberry Fields 
In
traditional schools, areas of knowledge and particular skills fall
into neat categories, in life they blend together into a rich and
complex texture. At Strawberry Fields, knowledge and skills
are explored as they occur naturally, within the context of life
itself as we use the community as the classroom and the concrete
need for knowledge and skills as motivation to learn.
COMMUNITY
SERVICE 
INTERFAITH
STUDIES 
Students
will be introduced to different vocations in the immediate community.
Through field trips and internships, students learn what goes on
behind the scenes of local businesses. Part-time job placement
is one goal for this course.